View article

Discussed in this Brief: Results of an NIJ-sponsored survey of Statelevel correctional administrators, prison and jail administrators, and program administrators to determine the special needs of incarcerated women in the areas of management, screening, assessment, and programming. The survey also sought information on innovative correctional programming for women and specific program elements conducive to success.

Key issues: Women offenders have needs different from those of men, stemming in part from their disproportionate victimization from sexual or physical abuse and their responsibility for children. They are also more likely to be addicted to drugs and to have mental illnesses. Many States and jail jurisdictions, particularly those with small female offender populations, have little special provision, either in management or programming, for meeting the needs of women.

Key findings: Survey respondents identified the following needs: